History of English Language

Origins of English Language

• English language began with the arrival of three Germanic tribes: Angles, Saxons, and Jutes in the 5th century AD.
• These tribes invaded Britain from present-day Denmark and northern Germany, displacing Celtic speakers to regions like Wales, Scotland, and Ireland.
• The term "Englisc" from the Angles contributed to the words "England" and "English."

Old English (450-1100 AD)

• Developed from the languages of the Germanic tribes, distinctly different from Modern English.
• Many common Modern English words have Old English roots, including "be," "strong," and "water."
• Difficult for contemporary speakers to understand.

Middle English (1100-1500 AD)

• Entered after the Norman Conquest of 1066 by William the Conqueror, who brought French as the language of the elite.
• Resulted in a linguistic divide: English for the lower classes and French for the upper classes.
• By the 14th century, English regained dominance (known as Middle English), enriched with many French vocabulary.
• Chaucer's works exemplify Middle English, retaining aspects that are challenging for modern understanding.

Early Modern English (1500-1800)

• Marked by the Great Vowel Shift, leading to significant changes in pronunciation.
• Increased contact with global cultures and the Renaissance introduced new vocabulary.
• The invention of the printing press led to standardized spelling, grammar, and widespread literacy.
• The first English dictionary was published in 1604, marking a milestone in language documentation.

Late Modern English (1800-Present)

• Distinctions from Early Modern English primarily arise from vocabulary expansion linked to the Industrial Revolution and the British Empire’s global reach.
• English adopted foreign words from various regions due to colonial interactions.

Varieties of English

• The colonization of North America produced American English, with unique pronunciation and vocabulary preserved from earlier British English.
• American English retains original British expressions and has been influenced by Spanish, French, and West African languages.
• Other varieties of English have emerged globally, including Australian, New Zealand, Canadian, South African, Indian, and Caribbean English.

Germanic Family of Languages

• English belongs to the Germanic branch of the Indo-European language family, reflecting its historical roots.

Chronology of Important Events in English Development

• 55 BC: Roman invasion by Julius Caesar.
• AD 43: Beginning of Roman rule in Britain.
• 449: Germanic settlement in Britain begins.
• 1066: Norman Conquest introduces French influence.
• 1348: English becomes the language of instruction and supersedes Latin and French for legal matters.
• 1476: Establishment of the first English printing press by William Caxton.
• 1604: The first English dictionary is published.
• 1828: Publication of Noah Webster's American English dictionary.
• 1928: The Oxford English Dictionary is published, providing extensive documentation of the English language's evolution.